I've recently installed ArchLinux with Xfce4 and NetworkManager on an Eeepc 1005HA.
NetworkManager is mostly fine - it auto-connects to ethernet and will auto-connect for wifi too if the connection is already set up.

My problem is that it requires a password every time I wish to edit or add connections. Also when selecting a network from the systray menu it doesn't ask for a network key, so I have to then go and edit it before it will work.